Dihua

Dihua refers to Dihua Street (迪化街), a historic street in Taipei, Taiwan. It runs through the Dadaocheng area in the Datong District and is part of the broader Dadaocheng Historic District, a core of Taipei’s late Qing era commercial life.

Historically, Dihua Street was a central hub for trade, especially in tea, silk, dried goods, and traditional Chinese medicine. Merchants from Taiwan and beyond established storefronts along the street, creating a distinctive row of multi-use shophouses that combines local and foreign architectural influences. The adjacent Dadaocheng area benefited from riverine trade connections and played a key role in Taipei’s economic development during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

In contemporary times, Dihua Street remains a working market and a preserved heritage corridor. Many buildings retain their original facades and interiors, housing tea shops, Chinese medicine suppliers, dried-fruit stalls, textile shops, and galleries. The street is a popular destination for residents and visitors seeking traditional goods, cultural experiences, and architectural history. The surrounding district hosts cultural events and markets, particularly around the Lunar New Year when merchants offer seasonal goods and decorations. Several structures in the area are protected as part of Taipei’s heritage program, reflecting ongoing efforts to preserve the street’s historical character while maintaining its commercial vitality.

See also: Dadaocheng, Taipei; Beimen (North Gate); Dihua Street market.